nursing home & assisted living guide

NURSING HOME & ASSISTED

LIVING GUIDE

FOR NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

What Every Family Needs To Know About Medicaid, VA Benefits & Long-Term Care Planning

354 Eisenhower Parkway, Building 1, Suite 2025 Livingston, NJ 07039

Tel: (973)994-2287 Fax: (973)535-0662

WWW.Hauptmanlaw.com

Updated January 2020

http://www.hauptmanlaw.com/

3

Table of Contents

1. Introduction………………………………………...……4

2. Selecting a Nursing Facility…………………..…………5

3. Nursing Home Evaluation Form………………………...8

4. Nursing Homes………………………………...….…….15

5. Division of Assets & Medicaid Planning………….……43

6. Some Common Questions………………………………47

7. Assisted Living Guide…………………………………..53

8. Veterans Aid and Attendance…………………………...54

9. Assisted Living Checklist……………………………….56

10. Assisted Living Facilities……………………………….57

11. Adult Day Care Centers………………………………...71

12. Legal Assistance………………………………………..73

13. In Conclusion…………………………………………...74

4

INTRODUCTION

The decision to move a family member or a loved one into a nursing home or assisted

living facility is one of the most difficult decisions you can make.

Perhaps the move is being made because the family member can no longer care for

him or herself… or perhaps the person has a progressive disease like Alzheimer’s…

or has had a stroke or heart attack.

No matter the reason, those involved are almost always under great stress.

In times like these, it is important that you pause, take a deep breath and understand

there are things you can do that can make the experience a little easier. Good

information is available and you can make the right choices for your loved one.

This booklet is designed to help provide you with information and answers to the

questions that we, as elder law attorneys, deal with on a daily basis.

We found it helpful to our clients as we put the information together, and we hope

you will find it useful as well.

Yale S. Hauptman, Esq.

Laurie A. Hauptman, Esq.

Hauptman & Hauptman, P.C.

The Hauptman and Hauptman Nursing Home & Assisted Living Guide For Northern New Jersey is

carefully researched, and is intended to supply accurate, complete and helpful information. The publisher

cannot however, guarantee the accuracy of information contained therein nor endorses any product or

service represented. The guide is for informational purposes and is not intended, nor does it constitute,

legal advice.

Federal Fair Housing Act – All Communities/Facilities participating in our directory are subject to the

Federal Fair Housing Act. Under this Act, it is appropriate and legal to discriminate in housing based

upon certain defined and proved categories such as senior housing; however, the Federal Fair Housing

Act makes it illegal to discriminate in housing based upon race, color, religion, familial status, national

origin, handicap, or sex.

5

Selecting a Nursing Facility

When someone is faced with the overwhelming job of finding a nursing home

for a loved one, the question often asked is “Where do I begin?” Although this is a

job that no one wants to do, it can be done with forethought and confidence that the

best decision will be made for everyone involved.

When nursing home placement is necessary, it is crucial that the family and/or

potential resident decide what’s most important to them in looking for a facility. It is

important that the resident’s needs and wants be included in this evaluation. Factors

such as the location of the facility, if a special care unit is necessary, and type of

payer source should be considered when beginning this process.

The next step is to identify the facilities in your area that meet the criteria you

established above.

If placement is “down the road” and you have time, call the nursing facilities and

ask them to send you their information packet including an activity calendar and a

menu.

Get ready to tour the facilities you have chosen. Don’t schedule your tours. Just

show up during regular business hours. You will be able to meet with the

administrative staff who will answer all your questions. Next, you will want to tour a

second time in the evening or on the weekend just to see if there is a drastic

difference in the atmosphere of the facility or the care being provided. It is important

to tour at least two facilities so you can see the difference in the physical layout and

the staff.

When you are touring, pay attention to your gut feeling. Ask yourself the

following questions…. Did I feel welcome? How long did I have to wait to meet

with someone? Did the admission director find out my family member’s wants and

needs? Was the facility clean? Were there any strong odors? Was the staff friendly?

Did they seem to generally care for the resident? Did the staff seem to get along with

each other? Listen and observe. You can learn so much just by watching and paying

attention.

When touring a facility, ask any questions that come to mind. There are no

“dumb” questions. Here are a few examples of questions you will want to ask to

make sure that the administration of the facility is giving proactive care instead of

reacting to crisis.

6

• How do you ensure that call lights are answered promptly regardless of your

staffing?

• If someone is not able to move or turn him or herself, how do you ensure that they

are turned and do not develop bedsores?

• How do you make sure that someone is assisted with the activities of daily living

like dressing, toileting and transferring?

• Can residents bring in their own supplies?

• Can residents use any pharmacy they choose?

• How many direct care staff members do you have on each shift? Does this

number exceed the minimal number that state regulations say you have to have or

do you just meet the minimum standard?

• What payer sources do you accept?

• How long has the medical director been with your facility?

• How were your last state survey results? (Ask to see a copy)

• How did you correct these deficiencies and what processes did you put in place to

make sure you do not make these mistakes again?

• Has the state prohibited this facility from accepting new residents at any time

during the last 2 years?

• What is your policy on family care planning conferences? Will you adjust your

schedule to make sure that I can attend the meeting?

• Do you have references I can talk with?

• Can my loved one come in for a meal to see if he/she fits in and likes the facility?

Attached is a form you can use when touring facilities. This will help you keep track

of which facility you liked best and those you did not care for.

Once a facility has been chosen, there are some definite steps you can take to make

the process less traumatic on the resident. First, plan the admission carefully. If you

know the resident becomes very difficult to deal with in the late afternoon, plan the

admission for mid-morning. Next, complete the admission paperwork before your loved

one actually moves into the facility. This will allow you to spend the first few hours that

you are there with them getting them settled and making them feel secure in their new

living environment.

Some practical things you want to be sure to do…. mark every piece of clothing with

a permanent laundry marker. When a facility is washing the clothes for 120 people, it is

common for things to occasionally end up in the wrong room, however you can help

ensure getting the item back if it is properly marked. If you are going to do your loved

one’s laundry, post a sign on the closet door to notify staff and provide a laundry bag

where dirty clothes can be placed. Also, bring in familiar things for the resident so that

there is a feeling of home. However, realize that space is limited especially in a semi-

private room.

7

A very important thing for you to remember is that the staff members of the

facility are just meeting your loved one for the first time. They do not know his or her

likes or dislikes, or those little nuances that make providing care go more smoothly. The

best way you can help your loved one is to tell the staff, in writing, as much information

as possible about your loved one…his/her likes and dislikes, typical daily schedule, pet

peeves, and so on.

It is important that you get to know the people who are caring for your loved one.

Most importantly, stay involved. Let everyone know how much you care and how

committed you are to your loved one’s care. Also understand you will not help your

loved one by becoming anxious or emotional. Assure them that although this is not an

ideal situation, you will be there to assist them in making it as pleasurable as possible.

Nursing Home Evaluation

As you visit nursing homes, use the following form for each place you visit. Don’t

expect every nursing home to score well on every question. The presence or absence of

any of these items does not automatically mean a facility is good or bad. Each has its

own strengths and weaknesses. Simply consider what is most important to the resident

and you.

Record your observations for each question by circling a number from one to five. (If

a question is unimportant to you or doesn’t apply to your loved one, leave the evaluation

area for that question blank.) Then total all the numbers you circled.

Your ratings will help you compare nursing homes and choose the best one for your

situation. But, don’t rely simply on the numbers. Ask to speak to family members of

other residents. Also, contact the state Department of Health and Senior Services for

information about the nursing home. You can find a report card for each facility at

www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/index.shtml. Also, get a copy of the facility’s state

inspection report for the nursing home from the agency that licenses (or certifies) nursing

homes or the ombudsman. You are able to view nursing home comparisons by visiting

www.medicare.gov/NHCompare.

http://www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/index.shtml

http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare

8

Nursing Home Evaluation Form

Name of Nursing Home:________________________________________________

Date Visited:_________________________________________________________

Poor==Excellent

1= = = = = = 5

The Buildings and Surrounding

What is your first impression of the facility? 1 2 3 4 5

What is the condition of the facility’s exterior 1 2 3 4 5

(paint, gutters and trim)?

Are the grounds pleasant and well kept? 1 2 3 4 5

Do you like the view from resident’s rooms 1 2 3 4 5

and other windows?

Do residents with Alzheimer’s disease live in a 1 2 3 4 5

separate Alzheimer’s unit?

Does the nursing home provide a secure outdoor area? 1 2 3 4 5

Is there a secure area where a resident with Alzheimer’s 1 2 3 4 5

Disease can safely wander on walking paths?

Are there appropriate areas for physical therapy and 1 2 3 4 5

other occupational therapy?

Is there a well-ventilated room for smokers? 1 2 3 4 5

Are facilities for barber or beauty salon services available? 1 2 3 4 5

What is your impression of general cleanliness 1 2 3 4 5

throughout the facility?

Does the facility smell clean? 1 2 3 4 5

Is there enough space in resident rooms and 1 2 3 4 5

common areas for the number of residents?

How noisy are hallways and common areas? 1 2 3 4 5

Is the dining area clean and pleasant? 1 2 3 4 5

Is there room at and between tables for both residents 1 2 3 4 5

and aides for those who need assistance with meals?

9

Are common areas like lounges and activity rooms in use? 1 2 3 4 5

Are residents allowed to bring pieces of furniture 1 2 3 4 5

and other personal items to decorate their rooms?

The Staff, Policies and Practices

Does the administrator know residents by name and speak 1 2 3 4 5

to them in a pleasant, friendly way?

Do staff and residents communicate with cheerful, 1 2 3 4 5

respectful attitudes?

Do staff and administration seem to work well with each 1 2 3 4 5

other in a spirit of cooperation?

Do residents get permanent assignment of staff? 1 2 3 4 5

Do nursing assistants participate in the resident’s care 1 2 3 4 5

planning process?

How good is the nursing home’s record for employee 1 2 3 4 5

retention?

Does the state ombudsman visit the nursing home on 1 2 3 4 5

a regular basis?

How likely is an increase in private pay rates? 1 2 3 4 5

Are there any additional charges not included in the 1 2 3 4 5

daily or monthly rate?

Residents’ Concerns

What method is used in selecting roommates? 1 2 3 4 5

What is a typical day like? 1 2 3 4 5

Can residents choose what time to go to bed and 1 2 3 4 5

wake up?

Are meaningful activities available that are appropriate 1 2 3 4 5

for resident participation?

If activities are in progress, what is the level 1 2 3 4 5

of resident participation?

Can residents continue to participate in interests like 1 2 3 4 5

gardening or have contact with pets?

10

Does the nursing home provide transportation for 1 2 3 4 5

community outings and activities?

Is a van or bus with wheelchair access available? 1 2 3 4 5

Do residents on Medicaid get mental health services or 1 2 3 4 5

occupational, speech or physical therapies if needed?

What is your impression of the general cleanliness 1 2 3 4 5

and grooming of residents?

How are decisions about method and frequency of 1 2 3 4 5

bathing made?

How do residents get their clothes laundered? 1 2 3 4 5

What happens when clothing or other items are missing? 1 2 3 4 5

Are meals appetizing and served promptly at mealtime? 1 2 3 4 5

Are snacks available between meals? 1 2 3 4 5

If residents call out for help or use a call light 1 2 3 4 5

do they get prompt, appropriate responses?

Does each resident have the same nursing assistant(s) 1 2 3 4 5

most of the time?

How does a resident voice a complaint if there is 1 2 3 4 5

a problem?

Do residents participate in care plan meetings when they 1 2 3 4 5

are able to?

Does the nursing home have an effective resident council? 1 2 3 4 5

Family Considerations

How convenient is the nursing home’s location to family 1 2 3 4 5

members who may want to visit the resident?

Are there areas other than the resident’s room were 1 2 3 4 5

family members can visit?

Does the facility have safe, well-lighted, convenient 1 2 3 4 5

parking?

11

Are hotels/motels nearby for out-of-town family members? 1 2 3 4 5

Are area restaurants suitable for taking residents 1 2 3 4 5

out for a meal with family members?

How convenient will care planning conferences be for 1 2 3 4 5

interested family members?

Is an effective family council in place? 1 2 3 4 5

Can family/staff meetings be scheduled to discuss and 1 2 3 4 5

work out any problems that may arise?

Total Score:______________

12

How to Receive the Best Care in a Nursing Home

Once you find a nursing home for your loved one, you can begin to ease the transition

from one level of care to another.

The most important way you can help is to ensure that your loved one receives good

care in the new environment.

If you have been providing some or all of your loved one’s care, you’ll notice a

change in your role. Rather than functioning as a caregiver, you’ll instead become a care

advocate.

You will still be caring for your loved one, but in a new way.

Your key roles are to participate in planning for your loved one’s care and to

frequently communicate with the nursing home staff.

Care Planning

The care planning process begins with a baseline assessment. This assessment occurs

soon after a resident moves into a nursing home, certainly within the first two weeks.

A team from the nursing home which may include a doctor, nurse, social worker,

dietician and physical, occupational or recreational therapist, uses information from both

the resident and the family about the resident’s medical and emotional needs.

This baseline assessment then becomes the yardstick against which the caregivers can

measure the resident’s progress.

The team asks family members about the resident’s medical, psychological, spiritual

and social needs. You can also contribute information about your loved one’s

preferences and usual routine. For example, you might tell the staff, “Dad likes to listen

to the radio as he falls asleep. He’s been doing this since I was a child.”

During the assessment process, you can help by making your own list of your loved

one’s needs and giving the list to a member of the assessment team. For example, you

may have noticed signs of depression along with symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The

assessment team may not notice these signs, so your input will be invaluable.

13

In the space below list your loved one’s medical needs:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

In the space below list your loved one’s psychological needs:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

In the space below list your loved one’s spiritual needs:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

In the space below list your loved one’s social needs:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

In the space below list your loved one’s preferences and usual routines:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

14

The assessment team uses all the information they gather to develop an

individualized formal care plan. The care plan defines specific care the resident needs

and outlines strategies the staff will use to meet them. The assessment team meets during

the first month of a new resident’s placement at a care-planning meeting. Family

members, as well as the resident, may attend.

When you go to the care plan meeting, bring along a copy of the list of needs you

gave the assessment team earlier. Together, you can discuss your loved one’s needs and

the care plan that the team has developed. And, if some need has been overlooked, you

can ensure that the assessment team addresses it during this meeting.

Federal law requires that nursing home care result in improvement, if

improvement is possible. In cases where improvement is not possible, the care must

maintain abilities or slow the loss of function.

For example, if your mother has a little problem with language when she moves

into the nursing home, the care plan should include activities that encourage her use of

language unless or until the disease’s progression changes this ability.

The care plan becomes part of the nursing home contract. It should detail the

resident’s medical, emotional and social needs and spell out what will be done to improve

(when possible) or maintain the resident’s health.

According to federal law, nursing homes must review the resident’s care plan

every three months and whenever the resident’s condition changes. It must also reassess

the resident annually. At these times additional care planning meetings are held to update

the resident’s care plan.

For example, if your father had bladder control when he entered the nursing

home, but has become incontinent, this significant change in his status means the nursing

home staff must develop a new care plan that addresses his new need.

As a care advocate, you’ll want to monitor your loved one’s care to be sure the

nursing home is providing the care outlined in the care plan. You may also attend all care

planning meetings, whether regularly scheduled or when held because of a change in

your loved one’s health. This is the best way to ensure that your loved one receives

personal and appropriate care in the nursing home.

15

NURSING HOMES

Bergen County

MEDICARE MEDICAID ALZHEIMER’S UNIT

ALLENDALE

Allendale Nursing Home X X X

85 Harreton Road

Allendale, NJ

(201)825-0660

CRESSKILL

CareOne at Cresskill X

221 County Road

Cresskill, NJ 07626

(201)567-9310

EMERSON

Armenian Nursing and

Rehabilitation Center

X X

70 Main Street

Emerson, NJ 07630

(201)261-6662

Emerson Health Care Center X X X

100 Kinderkamack Road

Emerson, NJ 07630

(201)265-3700

ENGLEWOOD

The Actors’ Fund Homes X X X

175 West Hudson Avenue

Englewood, NJ 07631

(201)871-8882

Inglemoor Center X X

333 Grand Avenue

Englewood, NJ 07631

(201)568-0900

FAIRLAWN

Maple Glen Center X X

12-15 Saddle River Road

Fair lawn, NJ 07410

(201)797-9522

16

NURSING HOMES

Bergen County (continued)


HACKENSACK

CareOne Wellington X X

301 Union Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

(201)487-4900

Prospect Heights Care Center X

336 Prospect Avenue


(201)678-1800

Regent Care Center X X

50 Polify Road


(201)646-1166

MAYWOOD

Maywood Center For Health

And Rehabilitation

X X X

100 West Magnolia Avenue

Maywood, NJ 07607

(201)843-8411

NEW MILFORD

Woodcrest Health Care Center X X X

800 River Road

New Milford, NJ 07646

(201)967-1700

NORWOOD

The Buckingham At Norwood

Care & Rehabilitation

X X X

100 McClellan Street

Norwood, NJ 07648

(201)768-6222

OAKLAND

Oakland Care Center X X X

20 Breakneck Road

Oakland, NJ 07436

(201)337-3300

17

NURSING HOMES



ORADELL

Oradell Health Care Center X X

600 Kinderkamack Road

Oradell, NJ 07649

(201)967-0002

PARAMUS

New Bridge Medical Center X X X

230 E Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201)967-4000

CareOne at Pine Rest X

W-90 Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201)652-1950

Dellridge Health & Rehabilitation

Center

X X

532 N. Fairview Ave

Paramus, NJ 07652

.(201)265-5600

N.J. Veterans Memorial

Home-Paramus

X X

1 Veterans Drive

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201)634-8401

PARK RIDGE

The Plaza Regency At Park Ridge X X X

120 Noyes Drive

Park Ridge, NJ 07656

(201)505-1777

RIDGEWOOD

Ridgewood Center X X

330 Franklin Turnpike

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

(201)447-1900

Van Dyk Manor of Ridgewood X

304 S. Van Dien Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

(201)445-8200

18

NURSING HOMES

Bergen County


ROCHELLE PARK

Bristol Manor – Alaris Health X X

96 Parkway Avenue

Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

(201)843-0967

ROCKLEIGH

Bergen County Health Care Center X X

35 B Piermont Road

Rockleigh, NJ 07647

(201)750-8310

Jewish Home at Rockleigh X X

10 Link Drive

Rockleigh, NJ 07647

(201)784-1414

TEANECK

CareOne at Teanieck X X

544 Teaneck Road

Teaneck, NJ 07666

(201)862-3300

Teaneck Nursing Center X X X

1104 Teaneck Road

Teaneck, NJ 07666

(201)833-2400

TENAFLY

County Manor Rehab and Health X X

133 County Road

Tenafly, NJ 07670

(201) 567-7800

WESTWOOD

CareOne Valley X X X

300 Old Hook Road

Westwood, NJ 07675

(201)664-888

19

NURSING HOMES



WOODCLIFF LAKE

Woodcliff Lake Health &


X X

555 Chestnut Ridge Road

Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677

(201)391-0900

WYCKOFF

Christian Health Care Center X X X

301 Sicomac Ave

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

(201)848-5200

NURSING HOMES

Essex County


BLOOMFIELD

Job Haines Home For Aged People X X X

250 Bloomfield Ave

Bloomfield, NJ 07003

(973)743-0792

Park Manor Nursing and


X X

23 Park Place


(973)743-7772

CALDWELL

St. Catherine of Siena X X

7 Ryerson Avenue

Caldwell, NJ 07006

(973)226-1577

20

NURSING HOMES

Essex County (continued)


CEDAR GROVE

Arbor Glen Center – Genesis Health X X

25 E Lindsley Road

Cedar Grove, NJ 07009

(973)256-7220

Waterview Center - Genesis X X X

536 Ridge Road


(973)239-9300

The Canterbury At Cedar Grove

Alaris

X X

398 Pompton Avenue


(973)239-7600

St. Joe’s (St. Vincent’s) Nursing

Home

X X X

315 East Lindsley Road


(973)754-4800

EAST ORANGE

Brookhaven Health Care Center X X

120 Park End Place

East Orange, NJ 07018

(973)676-6221

New Grove Manor X X

101 North Grove Street


(973)672-1700

Park Crescent Healthcare &


X X

480 Parkway Drive


(973)674-2700

21

NURSING HOMES



EAST ORANGE (continued)

Windsor Gardens Care Center X X

140 Park Ave


(973)677-1500

IRVINGTON

Chancellor Specialty Care Center X X

155 Fortieth Street

Irvington, NJ 07111

(973)232-3100

LIVINGSTON

Inglemoor Rehabilitation and Care

Center of Livingston

X X X

311 S Livingston Avenue

Livingston, NJ 07039

(973)994-0221

CareOne At Livingston X X X

68 Passaic Avenue


(973)758-9000

MAPLEWOOD

Winchester Gardens X X

333 Elmwood Ave

Maplewood, NJ 07040

862-236-0247

MONTCLAIR

Gates Manor X X X

111-115 Gates Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

(973)746-4616

Little Nursing Home X

71 Christopher Street

Montclair, NJ 07042

(973)744-5518

Mountainside Hospital X

One Bay Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

(973)429-6949

22

NURSING HOMES



NEWARK

Forest Hill Healthcare Center X X X

497 Mt. Prospect Avenue

Newark, NJ 07104

(973)482-5000

New Community Extended Care

Facility

X X

266 S Orange Ave

Newark, NJ 07103

(973)624-2020

New Vista Nursing and


X X

300 Broadway

Newark, NJ 07104

(973)484-4222

Sinai Post-Acute Health and

Extended Care Facility

X X

65 Jay Street

Newark, NJ 07103

(973)483-6800

ORANGE

The Pope John Paul II Pavilion at St.

Mary’s Life Center

X X

135 South Center Street

Orange, NJ 07050

(973)266-3000

White House Healthcare &


X X

560 Berkeley Avenue

Orange, NJ 07050

(973)672-6500

WEST CALDWELL

Lutheran Social Ministries at

Crane’s Mill

X

459 Passaic Avenue

West Caldwell, NJ 07006

(973)276-3016

23

NURSING HOMES



WEST CALDWELL (continued)

West Caldwell Care Center X X

165 Fairfield Ave


(973)226-1100

WEST ORANGE

Daughters of Israel Pleasant Valley

Home

X X X

1155 Pleasant Valley Way

West Orange, NJ 07052

(973)731-5100

Green Hill X X X



(973)731-2300

Alaris Health at West Orange X X

5 Brook End Drive


(973)324-3000

Stratford Manor Care and


X X

787 Northfield Avenue


(973)731-4500

Genesis Healthcare – Summit Ridge

Center

X X X

20 Summit Street


(973)736-2000

NURSING HOMES

Hudson County


BAYONNE

Bayonne Hospital Center

Transitional Care Unit

X

29 East 29th Street

Bayonne, NJ 07002

(201)858-7330

24

NURSING HOMES

Hudson County (continued)


GUTTENBURG

Alaris Health Blvd East X X

6819 Boulevard East

Guttenberg, NJ 07093

(201)868-3600

JERSEY CITY

Hamilton Park Allaris Health X X

525 Monmouth Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

(201)653-8800

Alaris Health Care Center X X

178-198 Ogden Avenue


(201)963-1800

Majestic Rehab and Nursing Center X X

620 Montgomery Street


(201)435-0033

Peace Care St. Jospeph’s X X X

537 Pavonia Avenue


(201)653-8300

Alaris of Newport Nursing &


X X

198 Stevens Avenue


(201)451-9000

Peace Care of St. Ann’s X X X

198 Old Bergen Road


1-888-560-5995

KEARNY

Alaris at Belgrove X X

195 Belgrove Drive

Kearny, NJ 07032

(973)844-4800

25

NURSING HOMES

Hudson County (continued)


KEARNY (continued)

Alaris Health of Kearny X X

206 Bergen Avenue

Kearny, NJ 07032

(201)955-7067

NORTH BERGEN

Hudson Hills Senior Living X X X

3505 Bergen Tpke

North Bergen, NJ 07047

(201)867-3585

The Harborage X X

7600 River Road


(201)854-5400

Hudson View Care & Rehabilitation

Center

X X X

9020 Wall Street


(201)861-4040

SECAUCUS

Hudson Manor Health Care Center X X

595 County Avenue

Secaucus, NJ 07094

(201)863-8866

Union City

Castle Hill Health Care Center X X

615 23rd Street

Union City, NJ 07087

(201)348-0818

Manhattanview Nursing Home X X

3200 Hudson Avenue

Union City, NJ 07087

(201)325-8400

26

NURSING HOMES

Hunterdon County


CALIFON

Little Brook Nursing and

Convalescent Home

X X

78 Sliker Road

Califon, NJ 07830

(908)832-2220

FLEMINGTON

Hunterdon Care Center X X X

1 Leisure Court

Flemington, NJ 08822

(908)788-9292

FRENCHTOWN

Valley View Health Care Center X X X

117 County Road 513

Frenchtown, NJ 08825

(908)996-4112

LEBANON

Rolling Hills Care Center X X

16 Cratetown Road

Lebanon, NJ 08833

(908)236-2011

PITTSTOWN

Country Arch Care Center X X

114 Pittstown Road

Pittstown, NJ 08867

(908)735-6600

NURSING HOMES

Middlesex County


CRANBURY

The Elms of Cranbury X X

61 Maplewood Avenue

Cranbury, NJ 08512

(609)395-0641

EAST BRUNSWICK

CareOne at East Brunswick X X

599 Cranbury Road

East Brunswick, NJ 08816

(732)967-0100

27

NURSING HOMES

Middlesex County (continued)


EDISON

Brighton Gardens of Edison X X X

1801 Oak Tree Road

Edison, NJ 08820

(732)767-1031

CareOne at the Highlands X X ✓

1350 Inman Avenue

Edison, NJ 08820

(908)754-7100

JFK Hartwyck at Oak Tree X X

2048 Oak Tree Road

Edison, NJ 08820

(732)906-2100

New Jersey Veterans Memorial

Home, Menlo Park

X

132 Evergreen Road

Edison, NJ 08818

(732)452-4100

Roosevelt Care Center X X X

One Roosevelt Drive

Edison, NJ 08837

(732)321-6800

MONMOUTH JUNCTION

Park Place Center – Genesis Health X X

2 Deer Park Drive

Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

(732)274-1122

MONROE TOWNSHIP

Cranbury Center – Genesis Health X X X

292 Applegarth Road

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

(609)860-2500

28

NURSING HOMES



MONROE TOWNSHIP (continued)

The Gardens at Monroe Healthcare

and Rehabilitation

X X

189 Applegarth Road


(609)448-7036

Monroe Village Health Care Center X X X

One David Brainerd Drive


(732)521-6400

NEW BRUNSWICK

Francis E. Parker Memorial Home,

Parker at Landing Lane

X X

501 Easton Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

(732)545-3110

Rose Mountain Care Center X X

US Routes 1 & 18

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

(732)828-2400

OLD BRIDGE

Preferred Care at Old Bridge X X X

6989 Route 18 South

Old Bridge, NJ 08857

(732)360-2277

Reformed Church Home X X

1990 Route 18 North


(732)607-9230

Roosevelt Care Center at Old Bridge X X X

1133 Marlboro Road


(732)360-9830

Summer Hill Nursing Home X X

111 Route 516


(732)254-8200

29

NURSING HOMES



PERTH AMBOY

Amboy Care Center X X X

1 Lindberg Avenue

Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

(732)826-0500

AristaCare at Alameda Center X X X

303 Elm Street

Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

(732)442-9540

PISCATAWAY


Parker at River Road

X

1421 River Road

Piscataway, NJ 08854

(732)545-8330

PLAINSBORO

Merwick Windsor Care &


X X X

100 Plainsboro Road

Plainsboro, NJ 08536

(609)759-6000

SOUTH AMBOY

The Briarwood Care & Rehabilitation

Center

X X

901 Ernston Road

South Amboy, NJ 08879

1-888-481-8704

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

AristaCare at Cedar Oaks X X X

1311 Durham Avenue

South Plainfield, NJ 07080

(732)287-9555

WOODBRIDGE

St. Joseph’s Senior Home, Nursing

Center

X X ✓

1-3 St. Joseph’s Terrace

Woodbridge, NJ 07095

(732)750-0077

30

NURSING HOMES

Morris County


BOONTON

Merry Heart of Boonton Township X X X

199 Powerville Road

Boonton, NJ 07005

(973)334-2454

New Jersey Firemen’s Home

565 Lathrop Avenue

Boonton, NJ 07005

(973)334-0024

CHATHAM

Garden Terrace Nursing Home

361 Main Street

Chatham, NJ 07928

(973)635-0899

Chatham Hills X X X

415 Southern Blvd

Chatham, NJ 07928

(973)822-1500

DENVILLE

The Oaks at Denville X X

21 Pocono Road

Denville, NJ 07834

(973)586-5000

DOVER

The Dwelling Place at Saint Clare’s X X

400 West Blackwell Street

Dover, NJ 07801

(973)989-3500

Regency Grande Nursing and


X X X

65 North Sussex Street

Dover, NJ 07801

(973)361-5200

FLORHAM PARK

Cheshire Home X X

9 Ridgedale Avenue

Florham Park, NJ 07932

(973)966-1232

31

NURSING HOMES

Morris County (continued)


FLORHAM PARK (continued)

Saint Anne Villa X X X

190 Park Avenue


(973)867-1502

HACKETTSTOWN

Heath Village X X

430 Schooley’s Mountain Road

Hackettstown, NJ 07840

(908)852-4801

LINCOLN PARK

The Renaissance Rehab & Nursing

Center at Lincoln Park

X X X

521 Pine Brook Road

Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

(973)696-3300

MENDHAM

Holly Manor Center – Genesis

Health

X X

84 Cold Hill Road

Mendham, NJ 07945

(973)543-2500

MADISON

Pine Acres Convalescent Center X X X

51 Madison Ave

Madison, NJ 07940

(973)377-2124

MORRIS PLAINS

Morris View Healthcare Center X X X

540 West Hanover Avenue

Morris Plains, NJ 07950

(973)285-2800

32

NURSING HOMES



MORRISTOWN

CareOne At Madison Avenue X X

151 Madison Avenue

Morristown, NJ 07960

(973)656-2700

Morris Hills Center – Genesis Health X X X

77 Madison Avenue


(973)540-9800

PARSIPPANY

CareOne at Morris X X

100 Mazdabrook Road

Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054

(973)739-9494

Troy Hills Center – Genesis Health X X

200 Reynolds Avenue

Parsippany, NJ 07054

(973)887-8080

POMPTON PLAINS

Cedar Crest Village/Renaissance

Gardens (Long Term Care)

X X X

4 Cedar Crest Village Drive

Pompton Plains, NJ 07444

(973)831-3504

SUCCASUNNA

Merry Heart Nursing Home X X X

200 Rt 10 West

Succasunna, NJ 07876

(973)584-4000

WHIPPANY

CareOne at Hanover Township X X

101 Whippany Road

Whippany, NJ 07981

(973)599-7500

33

NURSING HOMES

Passaic County


BLOOMINGDALE

The Health Center At Bloomingdale X X

255 Union Avenue

Bloomingdale, NJ 07403

(973)283-1700

CLIFTON

Daughters Of Miriam Center X X X

155 Hazel Street

Clifton, NJ 07015

(973)772-3700

Howell

Autumn Lake Center X X

4201 Route 9

Howell, NJ 07731

(732) 358-6883

Haskell

The Wanaque Center X X

1433 Ringwood Avenue

Haskell, NJ 07420

(973)839-2119

NORTH HALEDON

Holland Christian Home

151 Graham Avenue

North Haledon, NJ 07508

(973)427-4087

PASSAIC

Chestnut Hill Nursing Center X X X

360 Chestnut Street

Passaic, NJ 07055

(973)777-7800

Hamilton Plaza Nursing &


X X

56 Hamilton Avenue

Passaic, NJ 07055

(973)773-7070

34

NURSING HOMES

Passaic County (continued)


PATERSON

Doctors Subacute Care X X

59 Birch Street

Paterson, NJ 07522

(973)942-8899

Riverview Post-Acute Care Center X X

77 East 43rd Street

Paterson, NJ 07514

(973)754-6700

TOTOWA

St. Joseph’s Home For Elderly X X

140 Shepherd Lane

Totowa, NJ 07512

(973)942-0300

WAYNE

CareOne at Wayne (Skilled Nursing

Facility)

X X

493 Black Oak Ridge Road

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)692-9500

Lakeview Subacute Care Center X X

130 Terhune Drive

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)839-4500

Llanfair House Care &


X X X


Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)835-7443

Oak Ridge Rehabilitation & Nursing

Center

X X X

261 Terhune Drive

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)835-3871

35

NURSING HOMES



WAYNE (continued)

Preakness Healthcare Center X X X

305 Oldham Road

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)585-2132

Regency Gardens Nursing Center X X X

296 Hamburg Turnpike

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)790-5800

The Atrium At Wayne Subacute &

Rehabilitation

X X X

1120 Alps Road

Wayne, NJ 07474

(973)694-2100

Wayne View Care Center X X X

2020 Rt 23 North

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)305-8400

WEST MILFORD

Milford Manor X X

69 Maple Road

West Milford, 07480

(973)697-5640

NURSING HOMES

Somerset County


BASKING RIDGE

Fellowship Village X X

8000 Fellowship Drive

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

(908)580-3800

BOUND BROOK

CareOne at Somerset Valley Nursing

Center

X

1621 Route 22 West

Bound Brook, NJ 08805

(732)469-2000

36

NURSING HOMES

Somerset County (continued)


BRIDGEWATER

Bridgeway Care Center X X X

270 Route 28

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

(908)722-7022

Green Knoll Center – Genesis Health X X X

875 Route 202-206 North


(908)526-8600

Laurel Circle X X

100 Monroe Street


(908)595-6500

N.J. Eastern Star Home, Inc. X X

111 Finderne Avenue


(908)722-4140

GREEN BROOK

Abingdon Center – Windsor Care X X

303 Rock Avenue

Green Brook, NJ 08812

(732)968-5500

HILLSBOROUGH

All American at Hillsborough X X

351 Route 206

Hillsborough, NJ 08844

(908) 829-0798

Bridgeway Care & Rehabilitation

Center at Hillsborough

X X X

395 Amwell Road


(908)281-4400

37

NURSING HOMES



HILLSBOROUGH (continued)

Foothill Acres Rehabilitation and

Nursing Center

X X X

39 East Mountain Road


(908)369-8711

RARITAN

Raritan Health & Extended Care X X

633 Route 28

Raritan, NJ 08869

(908)526-8950

SKILLMAN

Stonebridge At Montgomery X X

100 Hollinshead Spring Road

Skillman, NJ 08558

(609)759-3634

SOMERSET

Parker at McCarrick Care Center X X

15 Dellwood Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

(732)545-4200

Regency Jewish Heritage

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

X X

380 Demott Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

(732)873-2000

Willow Creek Care Center – Genesis X X

1165 Easton Avenue

Somerset, NJ 08873

(732)246-4100

WATCHUNG

McAuley Hall Health Care Center X X

1633 Highway 22

Watchung, NJ 07069

(908)754-3663

38

NURSING HOMES

Sussex County


ANDOVER

Andover Subacute

& Rehabilitation I

X X X

1 O’Brien Lane

Andover, NJ 07821

(973)383-6200

Andover Subacute

& Rehabilitation II

X X X

99 Mulford Road

Andover, NJ 07821

(973)383-6200

NEWTON

Barn Hill Care Center – Genesis X X X

249 High Sreet

Newton, NJ 07860

(973)383-5600

Bristol Glen (SNF) X X X

200 Bristol Glen Drive

Newton, NJ 07860

(973)300-5788

Homestead Rehab and Care Center X X X

129 Morris Turnpike

Newton, NJ 07860

(973)948-5400

Valley View Care Center X X

1 Summit Avenue

Newton, NJ 07860

(973)383-1450

NURSING HOMES

Union County


BERKELEY HEIGHTS

Autumn Lake Healthcare X X X

35 Cottage Street

Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908)897-1000

39

NURSING HOMES

Union County (continued)


BERKELEY HEIGHTS

Runnells Specialized Hospital X X X

40 Watchung Way

Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908)771-5807

CLARK

Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation

Center

X X

1213 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

(732)396-7100

CRANFORD

Cranford Park X X X

600 Lincoln Park East

Cranford, NJ 07016

(908)276-7100

Cranford Health and Extended Care

Center

X X

205 Birchwood Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016

(908)272-6660

ELIZABETH

Brother Bonaventure Extended Care

and Rehabilitation Center – Trinitas

X X

655 East Jersey Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07206

(908)994-7178

Elizabeth Nursing and Rehabilitation

Center

X X

1048 Grove Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

(908)354-0002

40

NURSING HOMES



ELIZABETH (continued)

Elmora Hills Health & Rehabilitation

Center

X X

225 W Jersey Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

(908)353-1220

Plaza Healthcare and Rehabilitation

Center

X X

456 Rahway Avenue

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

(908)354-1300

LINDEN

Delaire Nursing & Convalescent

Center

X X X

400 W Stimpson Avenue

Linden, NJ 07036

(908)862-3399

MOUNTAINSIDE

ManorCare Health Services -

Mountainside

X X X

1180 Route 22 West

Mountainside, NJ 07092

(908)654-0020

NEW PROVIDENCE

ManorCare Health Services - New

Providence

X X X

144 Gales Drive

New Providence, NJ 07974

(908)464-8600

PLAINFIELD

AristaCare at Norwood Terrace X X

40 Norwood Avenue

Plainfield, NJ 07060

(908)769-1400

JFK Hartwyck At Cedar Brook X X X

1340 Park Ave


41

(908)754-3100

NURSING HOMES



PLAINFIELD (continued)

The Woodlands - Genesis X X

1400 Woodland Avenue


(908)753-1113

RAHWAY

Alaris Health at Riverton X X

1777 Lawrence Street

Rahway, NJ 07065

(732)499-7927

Robert Wood Johnson University

Hospital at Rahway

X X

865 Stone Street

Rahway, NJ 07065

(732)381-4200

SCOTCH PLAINS

Ashbrook Care and Rehabilitation

Center – Windsor Health

X X

1610 Raritan Road

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

(908)889-5500

UNION

Cornell Hall Care And Rehabilitation

Center – Windsor Health

X X

234 Chestnut Street

Union, NJ 07083

(908)687-7800

VAUXHALL

South Mountain Healthcare &

Rehabilitation

X X

2385 Springfield Avenue

Vauxhall, NJ 07088

(908)688-3400

WESTFIELD

Westfield Center – Genesis X X X

1515 Lamberts Mill Road

Westfield, NJ 07090

42

(908)233-9700

NURSING HOMES

Warren County


COLUMBIA

Clover Rest Home X X

28 Washington Street

Columbia, NJ 07832

(908)496-4307

HACKETTSTOWN

House Of The Good Shepherd X X

798 Willow Grove Street


(908)852-1430

HOPE

Forest Manor Health Care Center X X X

145 State Park Road

Hope, NJ 07844

(908)459-4128

OXFORD

Warren Haven X X X

350 Oxford Road

Oxford, NJ 07863

(908)475-7700

PHILLIPSBURG

Brakeley Park Center - Genesis X X

290 Red School Lane

Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

(908)859-2800

Lopatcong Center - Genesis X X

390 Red School Lane


(908)859-0200

Phillipsburg Center - Genesis X X

843 Wilbur Avenue


(908)454-2627

44

Division of Assets and Medicaid Planning….

How to Pay for Nursing Home Care Without Going Broke

One of the biggest concerns people have about nursing home care is how to pay for that

care.

There are basically five ways that you can pay the cost of a nursing home:

1. Long Term Care Insurance - If you are fortunate enough to have this type of

coverage, it may go a long way toward paying the cost of the nursing home. Unfortunately,

there have been many changes in the long-term care insurance industry in the last few

years and most people facing a nursing home stay do not have this coverage.

2. Pay with Your Own Funds - This is the method many people are required to use at

first. Quite simply, it means paying for the cost of a nursing home out of your own

pocket. Unfortunately, with nursing home bills averaging approximately $13,000 per

month or more in our area, few people can afford a long-term stay in a nursing home.

3. Veterans Administration – The United States Veterans Administration operates over

100 nursing facilities. Nursing home care is provided without cost to Veterans with

service-connected disabilities. For other Veterans there are eligibility factors, including

an income limit. The New Jersey Veterans Administration operates 3 homes for New

Jersey Veterans and their families. Eligibility requirements vary for Veterans, their

spouses and parents.

4. Medicare - This is the national health insurance program primarily for people 65

years of age and older, certain younger disabled people, and people with kidney failure.

Medicare provides short-term assistance with nursing home costs, but only if you meet

the strict qualification rules.

5. Medicaid - This is a federal and state funded and state administered medical benefit

program which can pay for the cost of the nursing home if certain asset and income tests

are met.

Since the first two methods of private pay (i.e. using your own funds and long-term care

insurance) are self-explanatory and the third method is only available to a small segment

of the population, our discussion will concentrate on Medicare and Medicaid.

45

What About Medicare?

There is a great deal of confusion about Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare is the federally funded and state administered health insurance program

primarily designed for older individuals (i.e. those over age 65). There are some limited

long-term care benefits that can be available under Medicare. In general, if you are

enrolled in the traditional Medicare plan, and you’ve had a hospital stay of at least three

days, and then you are admitted into a skilled nursing facility (often for rehabilitation or

skilled nursing care), Medicare may pay for a while. (If you are a Medicare Managed

Care Plan beneficiary, a three-day hospital stay may not be required to qualify.) If you

qualify, traditional Medicare may pay the full cost of the nursing home stay for the first

20 days and can continue to pay the cost of the nursing home stay for the next 80 days,

but with a deductible that’s $170.50 per day(2019). Some Medicare supplemental

insurance policies will pay the cost of that deductible. For Medicare Managed Care Plan

enrollees, there is no deductible for days 21 through 100, as long as the strict qualifying

rules continue to be met. So, in the best-case scenario, the traditional Medicare or the

Medicare Managed Care Plan may pay up to 100 days for each “spell of illness.” In order

to qualify for this 100 days of coverage, however, the nursing home resident must be

receiving daily “skilled care” and generally must continue to “improve.” (Note: Once the

Medicare and Managed Care beneficiary has not received a Medicare covered level of

care for 60 consecutive days, the beneficiary may again be eligible for the 100 days of

skilled nursing coverage for the next spell of illness.)

While it’s never possible to predict at the outset how long Medicare will cover the

rehabilitation, from our experience, it usually falls far short of the 100 day maximum.

Even if Medicare does cover the 100 day period, what then? What happens after the 100

days of coverage have been used?

At that point, in either case you’re back to one of the other alternatives...long-

term care insurance, paying the bills with your own assets, or qualifying for Medicaid.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a benefits program which is primarily funded by the federal

government and administered by each state. This means that the Medicaid rules can, and

do, vary from state to state. The information in this guide deals only with New Jersey’s

Medicaid program.

One primary benefit of Medicaid is that, unlike Medicare (which only pays for skilled

nursing), the Medicaid program will pay for long-term care in a nursing home once you’ve

qualified. Medicare does not pay for treatment for all diseases or conditions. For example, a

long-term stay in a nursing home may be caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease,

and even though the patient receives medical care, the treatment will not be paid for by

Medicare. These stays are called custodial nursing stays. Medicare does not pay for

custodial nursing home stays. In that instance, you’ll either have to pay privately (i.e. use

long term care insurance or your own funds), or you’ll have to qualify for Medicaid.

46

New Jersey's Medicaid Programs

New Jersey has two programs that pay for nursing home care, "Medicaid Only" and

"Medically Needy". Medicaid Only has broader coverage than Medically Needy,

which does not cover in-patient hospital care, pharmaceuticals outside of the

institution, or chiropractic services. The financial requirements of the two programs differ

as well. Medicaid Only recipients must have no more than $2313 (in 2019) per month of

income. (This number increases a little every year to keep pace with inflation). Those applicants

with greater income can qualify under the Medically Needy program. If the income limit

can be met, the Medicaid Only program is the more desirable one.

Why Plan for Medicaid?

As life expectancies and long-term care costs continue to rise, the challenge

quickly becomes how to pay for these services. Many people cannot afford to pay

$13,000 per month or more for the cost of a nursing home, and those who can pay for a

little while may find their life savings wiped out in a matter of months, rather than years.

Fortunately, the Medicaid Program is there to help. In fact, in our lifetime,

Medicaid has become the long-term care insurance of the middle class. But the eligibility

to receive Medicaid benefits requires that you pass certain tests on the amount of income

and assets that you have. The reasons for Medicaid planning are simple. First, you need

to provide enough assets for the security of your loved ones -- they too may have a

similar crisis. Second, the rules are extremely complicated and confusing. Not only that,

but Medicaid rules are constantly changing, and you need to be correctly informed.

Without planning and advice, many people spend more than they should and their

family security is jeopardized.

Exempt Assets and Countable Assets:

What Can you Keep and What is at Risk?

To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must pass some fairly strict tests on the

amount of assets they can keep. To understand how Medicaid works, we first need to

review what are known as exempt (non-countable) and non-exempt (countable) assets.

Exempt assets are those, which Medicaid will not take into account (at least for

the time being). In general, the following are the primary exempt assets:

• Home, For a single person, home equity must be less than $878,000. The home

must be the principal place of residence. The nursing home resident may be

required to show some “intent to return home” even if this never actually takes

place.

• $2,000 cash or other countable asset.

• Personal belongings and household goods.

• One car is totally excluded if necessary for employment or as a means of

transportation for medical treatment. Otherwise $4500 of the value of a car is

excluded.

47

• Medical devices, wheelchairs, prosthetic devices and similar equipment unless

others in the household use them as well.

• Burial spaces and certain related items for applicant and spouse.

• Up to $1,500 designated as a burial fund for applicant and spouse.

• Irrevocable prepaid funeral contract.

• Cash value of life insurance if face value is $1,500 or less.

All other assets are generally non-exempt, and are countable. Basically, all money and

property, and any item that can be valued and turned into cash, is a countable asset unless

it is one of those assets listed above as exempt. This includes:

• Cash, savings, and checking accounts, credit union share and draft accounts.

• Certificates of deposit.

• U.S. Savings Bonds.

• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), Keogh plans (401K, 403B).

• Trusts (depending on the terms of the trust)

• Real estate (other than the residence).

• More than one car.

While the Medicaid rules themselves are complicated and tricky, it’s safe to say

that a single person will qualify for Medicaid as long as he/she has only exempt assets

plus a small amount of cash and/or money in the bank, up to $2,000.

48

Some Common Questions

I’ve added my kids’ names to our bank account. Do they still count?

Yes. The entire amount is counted unless you can prove some or all of the money was

contributed by the other person who is on the account.

Can’t I just Give My Assets Away?

Many people wonder, can’t I give my assets away? The answer is, generally, No. The

law has severe penalties for people who simply give away their assets to create Medicaid

eligibility. So even though the Federal Gift Tax laws allow you to give away up to

$15,000 per year without gift tax consequences, those gifts could result in a period of

ineligibility for Medicaid.

Though some families do spend virtually all of their savings on nursing home care,

Medicaid often does not require it. There are a number of strategies which can be used to

protect family financial security.

Should I Prepay my Funeral?

Generally, yes. We all know that we will pass away eventually. A person on

Medicaid can only have $2,000 in countable assets. Certainly, this is not enough to pay

for an average funeral. It is usually best to pay for the funeral in advance. It converts

countable assets to non-countable assets. But when you prepay your funeral it can make

a difference. For a married couple it is usually best to wait until after the person enters

the nursing home. This is when, from a Medicaid planning perspective, the couple will

get the most benefit in preserving family assets.

Medicaid Planning for Married Couples

There is more flexibility in Medicaid planning for married couples, as opposed to

planning for a single person. The Medicaid law, in effect, recognizes that it makes little

sense to impoverish both spouses when only one needs to qualify for Medicaid assistance

for nursing home care.

As a result of this recognition, the law allows the spouse at home (called the

“Community Spouse”) to keep a certain amount of countable assets in his/her own name,

so as to avoid being impoverished in the community. This amount is called the

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). Currently, the CSRA is $126,420 (for

2019). Remember, the nursing home spouse is allowed to keep up to $2,000 in his/her

own name.

Each state also establishes a monthly income floor for the at-home spouse. This is

called the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance. This permits the

community spouse to keep a minimum monthly income ranging from about $2,057 to

$3,160 (for 2019).

49

If the community spouse does not have at least $2,057 in income, then he or she is

allowed to take the income of the nursing home spouse in an amount large enough to

reach the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (i.e., up to at least $2,057).

The nursing home spouse’s remaining income goes to the nursing home. This avoids the

necessity (hopefully) for the at-home spouse to dip into savings each month, which would

result in gradual impoverishment.

To illustrate, assume the at-home spouse receives $800 per month in Social Security.

Also assume that her needs are calculated to be the minimum of $2,057. With her Social

Security, she is $1,257 short each month.

$2,057.00 at-home spouse’s monthly needs (as determined by formula)

$800.00 at-home spouse’s Social Security

$1,257.00 shortfall

In this case, the community spouse will receive $1,257 (the shortfall amount) per

month from the nursing home spouse’s Social Security and the rest of the nursing home

spouse’s income will then go to pay for the cost of his care.

This does not mean, however, that there are no planning alternatives which the

couple can pursue. Consider the following case studies:

Case Study: Medicaid Planning

for Married People

Navigating through the long-term care system usually requires a team of advisors.

Although the elder law attorney is, no doubt, a pivotal person, the accountant, financial

advisor, and insurance specialist are equally important. And when one piece isn’t

properly in place, it can be catastrophic. Betty’s story is illustrative.

Betty and Tom decided to sell their home in which they raised their four children.

They invested the majority of the proceeds in annuities and decided to rent and live on

the income from their investments and Social Security. Tom, however, had already

exhibited some signs of dementia.

After the sale of their home, Tom’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He became

restless and, at times, physical with Betty, who weighed a hundred pounds less than Tom.

She could no longer keep him at home. Betty came to us for help, thinking she could get

Tom on Medicaid in a nursing home. She didn’t realize that the $300,000 she invested in

annuities was now a countable asset and would have to be spent down to $126,420 before

Tom could get Medicaid.

Betty was distraught. “I am only sixty-five. How can I live on $100,000?” she

asked me. I told her not to worry. She could cash in the annuities, buy another home with

that money, and keep it, as an exempt asset. After Tom qualifies for Medicaid, she could

then resell the home if she wanted, to reinvest for income again.

Then we examined the annuities. That’s when I discovered the surrender charges

of 7% that Betty would have to pay. Although there was a provision that waived the

charges if the owner needed to cash them in for long-term care expenses, the problem

50

was that Betty, and not Tom, was the owner. Betty told me that Tom had definitely been

diagnosed with dementia at the time that these decisions were made, but couldn’t recall

any conversations about long-term care or how to provide for it. Big mistake!

We were able to help Betty get Tom into a quality nursing home. She privately

paid for seven months, cashed in the annuities, paid a surrender charge, and bought a

home. We helped Betty preserve the majority of their savings—money she will need to

provide for her own care down the road. But, there are lessons to be learned here.

The result could have been so much better had Betty come to us before she sold

her home and before she bought the annuities. We might have suggested that she wait

until Tom entered the nursing home before selling her home. We also would have

cautioned Betty about purchasing investments that could easily be liquidated if a large

expense (i.e., nursing home care) became necessary. No one thought to ask what would

happen if Tom needed care sooner rather than later. And that’s why having a team of

advisors working together is so important. All tax, financial, and legal aspects of any

decision should be analyzed carefully, and that’s more than any one advisor is capable of

doing.

Case Study: A Trust for a Disabled Child

Margaret and Sam have always taken care of their daughter, Elizabeth. She is 45,

has never worked, and has never left home. She is “developmentally disabled” and

receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Margaret and Sam have always worried

about who would take care of her after they die. Some years ago, Sam was diagnosed with

dementia. His health has deteriorated to the point that Margaret can no longer take care of

him. Now she has placed Sam in a nursing home and is paying $10,000 per month out of

savings. Margaret is even more worried that there will be no money left for Elizabeth’s

care.

Margaret is satisfied with the nursing home Sam is in. The facility has a Medicaid

bed available that Sam could have if he were eligible. Medicaid would pay his bill.

However, according to the information she got from the social worker, Sam is $100,000

away from Medicaid eligibility. Margaret wishes there was a way to save the $100,000

for Elizabeth after she and Sam are gone. There is.

Margaret can consult an Elder Law attorney to set up a “special needs trust” with

the $100,000 to provide for Elizabeth. As soon as she does, Sam will be eligible for

Medicaid. Elizabeth won’t lose her benefits, and her security is assured.

Of course, all trusts must be reviewed for compliance with Medicaid rules. Also,

failure to report assets is fraud, and when discovered, will cause loss of eligibility and

repayment of benefits. Still, some people question making gifts before entering a nursing

home.

51

I Heard I Can Give Away

$15,000 Per Year. Can I?

As discussed earlier, many people have heard of the Federal Gift Tax provision

that allows them to give away $15,000 per year without paying any gift taxes. What they

do not know is that this refers to a Gift Tax exemption. It is not an absolute right. Having

heard of the exemption, they wonder, “Can’t I give my assets away?” The answer is,

maybe, but only if it’s done within the strict allowances of the law.

So even though the federal Gift Tax law allows you to give away up to $15,000

per year without incurring tax, those gifts could result in a period of ineligibility for

Medicaid for months. Still, some parents want to make gifts to their children before their

life savings are all gone. Consider the following case study:

Case Study: Financial Gifts to Children

After her 73 year old husband, Harold, suffers a paralyzing stroke, Mildred and

her daughter, Joan, need advice. Dark circles have formed under Mildred’s eyes. Her hair

is disheveled. Joan holds her hand.

“The doctor says Harold needs long-term care in a nursing home,” Mildred says.

“I have some money in savings, but not enough. I don’t want to lose my house and all our

hard-earned money. I don’t know what to do.”

Joan has heard about Medicaid benefits for nursing homes, but doesn’t want her

mother left destitute in order for Harold to qualify for them. Joan wants to ensure that her

father’s medical needs are met, but she also wants to preserve Mildred’s assets.

“Can’t Mom just give her money to me as a gift?” she asks. “Can’t she give away

$15,000 a year? I could keep the money for her so she doesn’t lose it when Dad applies

for Medicaid.”

Joan has confused Federal Gift Tax law with the issue of transfers and Medicaid

eligibility. A “gift” to a child in this case is actually a transfer, and Medicaid has very

specific rules about transfers.

At the time Harold applies for Medicaid, the state will “look back” five years to

see if any gifts have been made. The state won’t let you just give away your money or

your property to qualify for Medicaid. Any gifts or transfers for less than fair market

value that are uncovered in the look-back period will cause a delay in Harold’s eligibility

for Medicaid.

For example, a $15,000 gift during each of the five years prior to a Medicaid

application creates a 9 month period of ineligibility. Since the Deficit Reduction Act was

signed into law on February 8, 2006, this penalty period will not begin until the later of 1)

Harold is in a nursing home, 2) he is under the asset and income requirements, and 3) he

52

applied for Medicaid. At that point, Medicaid will not pay for Harold’s nursing home

care through the 9 month penalty period.

So what can Harold and Mildred do? They can institute a plan, save a good

portion of their estate, and still qualify for Medicaid. The plan may involve transfers of

money for value received, such as a care contract, and it may involve gifts. However, as

we stated above, the gifts must not violate the federal law or the Medicaid rules.

Generally, if done properly, you can often save as much as one half of your assets or

more this way.

But remember, when it’s given away, it’s given away. Studies have shown that

“windfall” money received by gift, prize, or lawsuit settlement is often gone within three

years. In other words, even when the children promise that money will be available when

needed, their own “emergencies” may make them spend the money. You must consult a

knowledgeable advisor on how to set a plan that complies with the law and achieves your

goals.

Will I Lose My Home?

Many people who apply for medical assistance benefits to pay for nursing home

care ask this question. For many, the home constitutes much or most of their life savings.

Often, it’s the only asset that a person has to pass on to his or her children.

nder the Medicaid regulations, the home is an unavailable asset. This means that it is not

taken into account when calculating eligibility for Medicaid. However, in 2006 the rules

changed. Now, for a single person, equity in the home cannot exceed $878,000(2019) in

New Jersey. If equity is above this amount, it must be reduced before the person can

qualify for Medicaid. Once a person qualifies for Medicaid owning a home, both single

and married person must worry about “estate recovery." The estate recovery law requires

states to try to recover the value of Medicaid payments made to nursing home residents.

Estate recovery does not take place until the recipient of the benefits dies. Then,

federal law requires that states attempt to recover the benefits paid from the recipient’s

“estate”. Generally, the probate estate consists of assets that the deceased person owned

in his or her name alone without beneficiary designation. Some believe the federal law

permits states to go even further and recover from non-probate assets, including assets

owned jointly or payable to a beneficiary.

The net result is that the state can and will file a lien on the home and other

property of the Medicaid recipient and also file a claim against the recipient’s estate. In

some cases, the state may go after real estate or other assets in the hands of children or

other third parties.

About two-thirds of the nation’s nursing home residents have their costs paid in part

by Medicaid. Obviously, the Estate Recovery law affects many families. The asset most

frequently caught in the Estate Recovery web is the home of the Medicaid recipient. A

53

nursing home resident can own a home and receive Medicaid benefits without having to

sell the home. But upon death, if the home is part of the estate, the state may seek to force

the sale of the home in order to reimburse the state for the payments that were made.

Since Medicaid rules are constantly changing, you will need assistance from

someone knowledgeable about these rules.

Home Health Care

Home care describes a host of services typically delivered by a nursing agency. Services

typically include:

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Therapy

• Skilled Nursing Care

• Home Health Aide Services

• Nutrition Counseling

• Hospice Care

• Personal care such as dressing and grooming, transferring, errands, grocery

shopping, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation

• Respite care

• Medication Management – filling prescriptions, monitoring medication

administration and effects.

Some can be private pay, or covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Home Health Care is a

terrific option for someone who needs extra assistance, whether it be after a hospital stay

in order to recover, or perhaps on an ongoing basis for those who find the activities of

daily living are getting too burdensome. These services allow seniors to remain home

where they are comfortable and receive good care. The services take some of the burdens

off of family members. Not all services are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Some

services must be paid for privately. Local Area Agencies on Aging have limited funds

available to help low income seniors secure these services.

54

ASSISTED LIVING GUIDE

Assisted living residences are a combination of housing and services for seniors who

require extra assistance with daily living, or perhaps cannot live safely alone but do not

require skilled nursing care. Typically the resident has his or her own apartment but

receives meals in a common dining room. For a senior who requires assistance with

activities of daily living (ADL’s), they can make arrangements for the assisted living

facility to provide these services. Activities of daily living include tasks related to

bathing dressing, grooming, eating and other similar care needs. Typical assistance

includes bathing and dressing, medication management, three meals a day, weekly house

keeping, an emergency response system to call staff if assistance is needed, and

transportation services to go to the doctors or shopping. A nurse is often on staff to assist

with minor medical needs when needed.

Most facilities are relatively new and have the look and feel of an upscale hotel or condo

facility. Many include extras such as workout rooms, computer rooms, libraries, coffee

house rooms, even dance halls/community centers. Some have outside areas such as

terraces, walking paths etc.

Special Care Units

Certain assisted living facilities have special care units for residents suffering from

memory loss and/or dementia. These units are usually locked to minimize the risk of the

resident wandering away. The special care units have a higher staff to resident ratio and

usually provide specialized programs and activities to help residents maintain their skills.

Cost

Assisted living typically costs $5,500 to $8,500 per month. Most people pay privately

for assisted living in New Jersey. Certain long-term care insurance contracts will cover

some or all of the cost of assisted living. However, this varies by contract. There are

limited public funds available to cover a portion of assisted living fees for financially and

clinically eligible persons.

Medicaid

New Jersey offers Medicaid coverage for assisted living care in very limited cases. This

assisted living “waiver” program differs in some very important ways from nursing home

or “institutional” Medicaid. First, there is an income cap of $2,313 (for 2019) per month.

If your income exceeds that amount you will not be able to qualify for assisted living

Medicaid. Second, you must need nursing home level care. This means that medically

you meet the test of needing nursing home care, although you are residing in an assisted

living facility. Third, there are a limited number of Medicaid slots available for assisted

living. It is imperative, therefore, that a plan be put in place before entering the assisted

living facility to decide what the family intends to do if the resident is at risk of running

out of money while at the facility.

55

“Secret Dollars”:

Vet Benefit for Long-Term Care Revealed

As Elder Law attorneys, we have for more than ten years helped clients who may need an

important VA benefit available to wartime veterans who may be facing substantial

medical and care expenses. A veteran who is confined to their home or needs assisted

living facility care may qualify for benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently

reported that the VA is reaching out to veterans and spouses to alert them to an

under-used benefit called “Aid and Attendance” (A&A). It has been reported by the VA

that tens of thousands of veterans across the country may not be receiving the VA

disability benefits they are entitled to. One of the VA’s best-kept secrets, which is an

excellent potential source of funds for long-term care (either at home or in an assisted

living facility) are veterans benefits for a non-service connected disability. Most VA

benefits and pensions are based on a disability, which was incurred during a veteran’s

wartime service. This particular benefit, A&A, is available for individuals who are

disabled due to the issues of old age, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple

Sclerosis, and other physical disabilities. For those veterans and widows (ers) who are

eligible, these benefits can be a blessing for the disabled individual who is not yet ready

for a nursing home. This benefit can be as high as $2,230 (2019) per month for a married

veteran. This money can potentially be used for home healthcare or assisted living

facilities. We were shocked to learn that so many veterans may be missing out on this

valuable benefit, which they have a legal right to receive. The benefit is not generally

used for the cost of nursing home benefits.

The pension benefits provided by the Veterans Administration generally fall into two

categories: service connected and non-service connected. This article focuses on non-

service connected benefits which are available to certain wartime veterans (or their

dependents) who are disabled because of a non-service connected condition and who are

in financial need due to their unreimbursed medical expenses. Once the veteran’s

eligibility requirements are met, a family member may be able to obtain benefits based on

his or her status as the veteran’s dependent.

There is a specific portion of the pension program, which is of particular importance.

This program is “Aid and Attendance” (A&A) and is available to a veteran who is not

only disabled, but has the additional requirement of needing the aid and attendance of

another person in order to avoid the hazards of his or her daily environment. What that

means in English is someone needs to help you to prepare meals, to bathe, to dress and

otherwise take care of yourself.

Under this program, a married veteran can receive a maximum of $2,230 (2019) per

month in benefits and a widow or widower of a veteran can receive up to $1,209 (2019)

as a maximum benefit for A&A for the year. The applicant must be determined to be

“permanently and totally disabled”. The applicant does not need to be helpless – he/she

need only show that he/she is in need of aid and attendance on a regular basis. Someone

who is housebound or in an assisteiving facility and over the age of 65 is presumed by the

Veterans Administration to be in need of aid and attendance.

56

This particular program does have substantial limitations related to the income and assets

that are held by the applicant. It is very important to meet with a knowledgeable

Veterans Service Officer or an experienced elder law attorney for a pre-filing

consultation to determine whether or not you may qualify for this benefit and to review

the estate planning work that may be done to assist you in qualifying for this particular

benefit. It is very confusing to many individuals in determining what is the countable

income and assets measured by the Veterans Administration. For 2019, a claimant,

single or married, can only have a net worth of $127,061. Net worth includes all income

and assets. The countable income for the veteran benefit is determined by taking a

claimant’s gross income and subtracting from that all of their recurring unreimbursed

medical expenses to determine a lower income, which is their income for Veterans

Affairs Administration Purposes. Income for Veterans Affairs Purposes (IVAP) is the

countable income, along with a claimant’s assets, which is used to determine whether or

not a person qualifies.

In computing the income of the applicant, certain items can be deducted. Specifically,

recurring unreimbursed medical expenses (UMEs) paid by an individual may be used to

reduce the claimant’s income.

Home attendants or aides are an allowable medical expense deduction, as long as the

attendant is providing some medical or nursing services for the disabled person.

The cost of an assisted living facility, and even part or all of the cost of an independent

living facility, can also be an allowable medical deduction to reduce your gross income to

a much lower net countable income that may qualify you for veterans benefits. To file a

claim for this benefit, it is wise to seek the involvement of a trained Veterans Service

Officer. A Veterans Service Officer is critical to the filing of an application with the

local VA regional office. It is also important to seek the guidance of an experienced

elder law attorney who is familiar with estate planning, disability, Medicaid and veterans

benefits. An attorney skilled in elder law can provide a veteran and the veteran’s family

with appropriate pre-filing consultations to determine the appropriate steps that must be

taken to be able to determine if it would be right to apply for this VA benefit. Please

contact our firm, Hauptman & Hauptman, for a free information packet. You can call us

at (973) 994-2287. We are prepared to counsel you in the area of elder law services,

including veterans benefits and Medicaid planning and estate and disability planning.

57

Assisted Living Checklist

□ Tour several Assisted Living Facilities and comparison shop

□ What is your first impression and condition of the facility?

Is everything well kept?

□ Do you like the view from the resident’s room and other windows?

□ How is the food quality? Ask to sample a meal when touring.

□ Speak to current residents and ask if they like living there

□ Observe the staff. Are they friendly to each other, the resident and to you?

□ What is the staff to resident ratio?

□ What services are provided and included in the monthly fee? Laundry?

Housekeeping?

□ What are A La Carte Services?

□ How often are there rent increases and by what percentage?

□ What types of activities are available? Social Outings? Shopping?

Religious services?

□ Does the facility provide transportation for community outings and

activities? As well as for doctors’ appointments? Is this included or is

there an extra fee?

□ Are pets allowed to live with residents or visitation only?

□ Do physicians visit the facility? Is there a medical director?

□ Is there medication management available? Is this included or is there an

extra fee for this service?

□ What is a typical day like?

□ What are the levels of care? What is included in the base fee?

□ Can you bring in your own or additional services from private sources,

such as if Hospice Care is needed?

□ If needed, does the facility have a special care unit for memory loss?

□ What happens next? If there is a change in finances, need for Nursing

Home Care or Alzheimer’s Care.

Note: Assisted Living Models are NON-MEDICAL models, which differ from

Skilled Nursing Centers. Therefore, Assisted Living Communities cannot

provide skilled nursing care.

58

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Bergen County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

CRESSKILL

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Cresskill X X

3 Tenakill Park Drive East

Cresskill, NJ 07626

(201)871-0300

EDGEWATER

Sunrise Of Edgewater X

351 River Road

Edgewater, NJ 07020

(201)941-6111

EMERSON

Brookdale Emerson X X

590 Old Hook Road

Emerson, NJ 07630

(201)986-6729

ENGLEWOOD

Englewood Housing Authority Assisted Living

Program

X

111 West Street

Englewood, NJ 07631

(201)871-3451

MIDLAND PARK

Mill Gardens At Midland Park X X

36 Faner Road

Midland Park, NJ 07432

(201)493-7400

OLD TAPPAN

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Old Tappan X

195 Old Tappan Road

Old Tappan, NJ 07675

(201)750-1110

59


Bergen County (continuted)

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

PARAMUS

CareOne At The Cupola X X

W 100 Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201)444-8200

Brookdale Paramus X X

186 Paramus Road

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201)251-9600

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Paramus X X

567 Paramus Road

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201)493-9889

PARK RIDGE

Mill Pond and Plaza Regency X X

124 Noyes Drive

Park Ridge, NJ 07656

(201)782-0440

RIVER VALE

Jewish Home Assisted Living – Kaplan X X

685 Westwood Avenue

River Vale, NJ 07675

(201)666-2370

SADDLE RIVER

Brighton Gardens Of Saddle River X

5 Boroline Road

Saddle River, NJ 07458

(201)818-8680

TEANECK

Bright Side Manor X

300 Teaneck Road

Teaneck, NJ 07666

(201)692-1000

Five Star Premier Residences of Teaneck

655 Pomander Walk

Teaneck, NJ 07666

(201)836-3634

60



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

WOODCLIF LAKE

Sunrise Of Woodcliff Lake X

430 Chestnut Ridge Road

Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07675

(201)782-1888

WYCKOFF

Christian Health Care Center X X

301 Sicomac Avenue

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

(201)848-4300


Essex County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

BLOOMFIELD

Job Haines Home For Aged People/Hearthside

Commons

X

250 Bloomfield Avenue


(973)743-0792

FAIRFIELD

Sunrise Assisted Living At West Essex X X

47 Greenbrook Road

Fairfield, NJ 07004

(973)228-7890

LIVINGSTON

Brandywine Living at Livingston X

369 E. Mount Pleasant Ave


CareOne At Livingston Assisted Living X X

68-76 Passaic Avenue


(973)758-4100

MAPLEWOOD

Winchester Gardens

333 Elmwood Avenue

Maplewood, NJ 07040

(973)762-5050

61



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

NEWARK

Roseville Manor X

285 Roseville Avenue

Newark, NJ 07107

(973)481-2200

ROSELAND

Arbor Terrace X

345 Eagle Rock Ave

Roseland, NJ 07068

WEST CALDWELL

Lutheran Social Ministries At Crane’s Mill X X

459 Passiac Avenue


(973)276-3016

WEST ORANGE

Arden Courts Of West Orange X

510 Prospect Avenue


(973)736-3100

Brighton Gardens Of West Orange X X



(973)731-9840

The Cliffs At Eagle Rock X

707 Eagle Rock Avenue


(973)669-0011

Brookdale at West Orange X X

520 Prospect Avenue


(973)325-5700

House of the Holy Comforter, Canterbury

Village

X

33 Mount Pleasant Avenue


(973)736-1194

62


Hudson County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

JERSEY CITY

The Atrium At Hamilton Park - Alaris X X

330 Ninth Street


(201)716-8000


Hunterdon County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

FLEMINGTON

Independence Manor at Hunterdon X X

188 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

(908)788-4893


Middlesex County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

EAST BRUNSWICK

The Chelsea at East Brunswick X X

606 Cranbury Road


(732)651-6100

Sunrise Assisted Living of East Brunswick X X

190 Summerhill Road


(732)613-1355

EDISON

Brighton Gardens of Edison X X

1801 Oak Tree Road

Edison, NJ 08820

(732)767-1031

Heritage at Clara Barton - Genesis X

1015 Amboy Avenue

Edison, NJ 08837

(732)225-5990

63



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

EDISON (continued)

Whispering Knoll Assisted Living X X

62 James Street

Edison, NJ 08820

(732)744-5541

HIGHLAND PARK


Parker at Stonegate

X X

443 River Road

Highland Park, NJ 08904

(732)247-1656

MONROE TOWNSHIP

Monroe Village Assisted Living X

One David Brainerd Drive


(732)521-6400

The Residence at Forsgate X X

319 Forsgate Drive


(732)656-1000

Wynwood at Forsgate X X

380 Forsgate Drive


(609)409-7525

OLD BRIDGE

Reformed Church Home X

1990 Route 18 North


(732)607-9230

WOODBRIDGE

St. Joseph’s Senior Home, Assisted Living X

1-3 St. Joseph’s Terrace

Woodbridge, NJ 07095

(732)634-0004

64


Morris County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

BOONTON TOWNSHIP

Victoria Mews Assisted Living X X

51 North Main Street

Boonton Township, NJ 07005

(973)263-3000

CHATHAM

Juniper Village At Chatham X

500 Southern Boulevard

Chatham, NJ 07928

(973)966-5483

DENVILLE

Francisican Oaks Continuing Retirement X

19 Pocono Road

Denville, NJ 07834

(973)586-5000

FLORHAM PARK

Brighton Gardens of Florham Park X X

21 Ridgedale Avenue


(973)966-8999

Saint Anne Villa X

190 Park Avenue


(973)867-1514

Wynwood Of Florham Park X X

8 James Street


(973)443-0444

HACKETTSTOWN

Paragon Village, LLC X X

425 Route 46 East


(908)979-9080

65



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

MADISON

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Madison X X

215 Madison Avenue

Madison, NJ 07940

(973)301-0005

MONTVILLE

The Chelsea at Montville X X

165 Changebridge Road

Montville, NJ 07045

(973)402-1100

MORRIS PLAINS

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Morris Plains X

209 Littleton Road

Morris Plains, NJ 07950

(973)538-7878

Spring Hills At Morristown X X

17 Spring Place


(973)539-3370

MOUNT ARLINGTON

Mount Arlington Senior Living X X

2 Hillside Drive

Mount Arlington, NJ 07856

(973)601-0988

PARSIPPANY

CareOne At Morris X X

200 Mazdabrook Road

Parsippany, NJ 07054

(973)739-9490

POMPTON PLAINS

Cedar Crest Village/Renaissance Gardens

(Assisted Living)

X

4 Cedar Crest Village Drive

Pompton Plains, NJ 07444

(973)831-3546

66

RANDOLPH

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Randolph

648 Route 10

Randolph, NJ

(973)328-1922

X X



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

SUCCASUNNA

Merry Heart Assisted Living, LLC X

118 Main Street

Succasunna, NJ 07876

(973)584-4000

WHIPPANY

Arden Courts of Whippany X

18 Eden Lane

Whippany, NJ 07981

(973)581-1800

CareOne at Hanover Township X X

101 Whippany Road

Whippany, NJ 07981

(973)599-7500

Weston Assisted Living Residence X

905 Route 10 West

Whippany, NJ 07981

(973)428-0300

67


Passaic County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

HAWTHORNE

Van Dyk Park Place of Hawthorne X X

644 Goffle Road

Hawthorne, NJ 07506

(973)304- 0400

PASSAIC

Chestnut Hill Residence X X

338 Chestnut Street

Passaic, NJ 07055

(973)777-7800

WAYNE

Arden Courts Of Wayne X


Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)942-5600



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

WAYNE (continued)

CareOne at Wayne (Assisted Living Residence) X X


Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)692-9500

Emeritus At Wayne X X


Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)942-4800

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Wayne X X

184 Berdan Avenue

Wayne, NJ 07470

(973)628-4900

WEST MILFORD

The Chelsea at Bald Eagle X X

197 Cahill Cross Road

West Milford, NJ 07480

(973)728-6000

68


Somerset County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

BASKING RIDGE

Fellowship Village X

9000 Fellowship Road


(908)580-3824

Sunrise of Basking Ridge X X

404 King George Road


(908)542-9000

BRIDGEWATER

Avalon at Bridgewater X X

565 State Highway 28


(908)707-8800



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

BRIDGEWATER (continued)

Brandywine Assisted Living at Middlebrook

Crossing

X X

2005 Route 22 West


(732)868-8181

The Chelsea at Bridgewater X X

680 202/206 North


(908)252-3400

Sunrise at Bridgewater X X

390 US Rte 22


(908)698-4985

HILLSBOROUGH

The Avalon at Hillsborough X X

393 Amwell Road


(908)874-7200

Brookdale at Hillsborough X X

600 Auten Road


(908)431-1300

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SKILLMAN

Stonebridge at Montgomery Health Care Center X X

200 Hollinshead Spring Road

Skillman, NJ 08558

(609)759-3634

SOMERSET

Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living

Residence, Inc.

X X

350 Demott Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

(732)568-1155

Spring Hills at Somerset X X

473 Demott Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

(732)873-4800



MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

SOMERVILLE

Cooperative Housing Corporation

62 East High Street

Somerville, NJ 08876

(908)526-8130

WARREN

The Chelsea at Warren X X

274 King George Road

Warren, NJ 07059

(908)605-6749

WATCHUNG

Brandywine Senior Living at Mountain Ridge X X

680 Mountain Boulevard

Watchung, NJ 07069

(908)754-8180


Sussex County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

BRANCHVILLE

EverMay At Branchville, LLC X X

3 Phillips Road

Branchville, NJ 07826

(973)948-8884

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NEWTON

Bristol Glen (ALR) X X

200 Bristol Glen Drive

Newton, NJ 07860

(973)300-5788

SPARTA

Knoll View Corp X X

8 Knoll Road

Sparta, NJ 07871

(973)729-4311


Union County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

CRANFORD

Atria Cranford X X

10 Jackson Drive

Cranford, NJ 07016

(908)709-4300

ELIZABETH

Amber Court of Elizabeth, LLC X X

1155 East Jersey Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07201

(908)352-9200

FANWOOD

The Chelsea at Fanwood X X

295 South Avenue

Fanwood, NJ 07023

(908)654-5200

MOUNTAINSIDE

Brighton Gardens of Mountainside X X

1350 Route 22 West

Mountainside, NJ 07092

(908)654-4460

RAHWAY

Care Strategies

555 East Hazelwood Avenue

Rahway, NJ 07065

(732)388-4800

SUMMIT

Spring Meadows Summit


Summit, NJ 07901

(908)522-8852

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WESTFIELD

Sunrise Assisted Living Of Westfield X X


Westfield, NJ 07090

(908) 317-3030


Warren County

MEMORY

CARE UNIT

MEDICAID

BELVIDERE

The Chelsea at Brookfield X

1 Brookfield Court

Belvidere, NJ 07823

(908)475-5556

HACKETTSTOWN

House Of The Good Shepherd X

798 Willow Grove Street


(908)852-1430

Heath Village X

430 Schooley’s Mountain Road


(908)852-4801

Paragon Village, LLC X X

427 Route 46 East


(908)979-9080

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ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS

Adult Day Care is a wonderful alternative for families struggling with the care of an

aging or disabled parent or loved one. Adult Day Care Centers can also provide

supervision and assistance each day for a senior who is not quite ready for assisted living

or long-term care.

Each center has a staff of trained health care professionals, including registered nurses

and therapists, to help those members with complex physical or psychological problems

and needs. Adult Day Care Centers provide a structured program that includes a variety

of health, social and supportive services in a safe, protective environment.

Services are provided during daytime hours, allowing caregivers the peace of mind they

need to continue working, or simply providing them with a much needed respite so

they’re able to face the challenges of day to day care-giving.

Members of Adult Day Care Centers can look forward to a variety of challenging,

interesting and entertaining activities each day. Their caregivers can feel confident that

excellent medical and therapeutic care will be provided by an experienced staff of

healthcare professionals.

Members will enjoy fun, safe and productive days. Rest assured, your loved ones will

feel comforted by the fact that they will return to the warmth and familiarity of home

each night.

What Services Are Provided?

• Medical/health supervision by a professionally trained staff of RN’s, LPN’s, and

CNA’s and program assistants.

• Complete care assessments developed for each member by a multi-disciplinary

team.

• Management and administration of medications including injections, as needed.

• Wound care, tube feedings, tracheal care, colostomy care, monitoring of blood

sugar and vital signs, O2 management, etc.

• Assistance with toileting, feeding, dressing, mobility and managing incontinence.

• PT, OT, Speech and counseling services available and referrals made as needed.

• On-going case management.

• Daily therapeutic programs and recreational activities including music, physical

activities, exercise, mental stimulation, adult crafts, games, etc.

• Community trips and outings.

• Assistance with arranging transportation to medical appointments.

• Light breakfast or morning snack, nutritious full lunch and afternoon snack,

special diets accommodated.

• Door to door transportation in handicapped accessible vans.

• A safe, comfortable, homelike environment.

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Who Benefits from Adult Day Care?

• People of all ages whose activities are limited by injury, disease or frailties of age.

• Those with memory problems, confusion or other dementias.

• Patients with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

• Individuals with incontinence.

• People who need help with eating, bathing, or other activities of daily living.

• Individuals with developmental disabilities or mental retardation.

• People recovering from strokes, heart attacks or accidents.

• Anyone who is homebound and needs the social stimulation of a group setting.

• Those suffering from depression or other psychiatric problems.

Are Meals Provided?

Most centers provide a light breakfast or morning snack, nutritious lunch and afternoon

snack each day. Special meals can be accommodated for diabetics, vegetarians, people

who need to control salt or cholesterol, or people with specific food allergies.

Operating Hours

Operating hours vary by center but most Adult Day Care Centers operate during the

standard working hours, Monday through Friday with clients arriving around 8:00 am

and leaving to return home by 5:00 pm. Some centers have extended hours of operation

and are also open on weekends and holidays to provide needed respite for families and

caregivers.

Who Pays for Adult Day Care?

For those individuals who meet the requirements, Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Veterans

Affairs and other funded programs cover adult day care services. Clients may pay

privately or may utilize state funded programs, as well as other funded programs and

grants. Insurance plans may vary and special attention should be given to long-term care

insurance regarding adult day care coverage. Your local Council on Aging or your local

Elder Service Agency should be able to assist you with finding programs and funding

options available in your area. You should be aware that Medicare does not cover Adult

Day Care.

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Legal Assistance

Aging persons and their family members face many unique legal issues. As you

can tell from our discussion of the Medicaid program, the legal, financial, and care

planning issues facing the prospective nursing home resident and family can be

particularly complex. If you or a family member needs nursing home care, it is clear that

you need expert legal help. Where can you turn for that help? It is difficult for the

consumer to be able to identify lawyers who have the training and experience required to

provide expert guidance during this most difficult time.

Generally, nursing home planning and Medicaid planning is an aspect of the

services provided by elder law attorneys. Consumers must be cautious in choosing a

lawyer and carefully investigate the lawyer’s credentials.

How do you find a law office that has the knowledge and experience you need?

You may want to start with recommendations from friends who have received

professional help with nursing home issues. Whom did they use? Were they satisfied with

the services they received? Hospital social workers, Alzheimer’s and other support

groups, accountants, and other financial professionals can also be good sources of

recommendations.

In general, a lawyer who devotes a substantial part of his or her practice to nursing

home planning should have more knowledge and enough experience to address the issues

properly. Don’t hesitate to ask the lawyer what percentage of his practice involves nursing

home planning. Ask whether the lawyer is a member of any elder law planning

organizations. Is the lawyer involved with committees or local or state bar organizations

that are concerned with Medicaid regulations and their effect upon payment for nursing

home care? Does the lawyer lecture on nursing home planning? This should help you

decide if this is the lawyer for you.

The leading national organization of elder law attorneys is the National Academy

of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). While mere membership in the Academy is open to

any lawyer and is no sure sign that the attorney is an experienced elder law practitioner,

membership does at least show that the lawyer has some interest in the field. In addition,

the Academy runs educational sessions each year to help lawyers stay current on the

latest aspects of elder law and nursing home planning. Attending these sessions takes

time and commitment on the part of the lawyer and is a good sign that the lawyer is

attempting to stay up to date on elder law issues. You may want to look for an attorney

who is a member of NAELA and has recently attended one or more of its educational

sessions.

In the end, follow your instincts and choose an attorney who knows this area of

the law. Find someone you can trust, who will listen to you, and who will cater to the

unique wants and needs of you and your family.

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In Conclusion

As you can see, there are a number of strategies that you can use to qualify for Medicaid

and still preserve some or all of the estate you’ve spent a lifetime building.

These strategies are legal. They are moral. They are ethical. Please be advised

however; to take advantage of these Medicaid planning techniques requires a great deal of

knowledge on the ins and outs of the system. Work with an experienced advisor who knows

the rules and can advise you accordingly.

In the previous pages, we’ve talked about how to find the right nursing home, how to

receive good care, and how to pay for it without going broke. But where do you actually start

looking? Where should you begin your search?

To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in

Northern New Jersey, arranged according to county and town.

The listings contain the name and address of the facility along with the telephone

number. We have also included information on whether the nursing home accepts Medicare

(typically for rehabilitation purposes) and Medicaid. Finally, we have noted whether the

facility has a specialized Alzheimer’s unit.

Once you’ve determined which facilities you want to tour, then you can use the

evaluation tool to help you compare them.

January 2019 Edition

nursing home & assisted living guide

Documents

Transcript of nursing home & assisted living guide